…the Joy that filled our souls 3 Nephi 17-19

St. Hugh Nibley Speaking of 3 Nephi and the visit of the Savior: “After this mounting pageant we've had right from the beginning (of conflict and folly, etc.,) we reach the grand climax in the Book of Mormon, and lo and behold, it is all good news. It's a happy book, now. … This is the happiest book in the world, you see.”

Before I leave… 3 Nephi 17 1 Behold, now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked round about again on the multitude, and he said unto them: Behold, my time is at hand (to show myself to the other tribes of Israel). 2 I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time. 3 Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again.

What should we ponder or meditate about?

The Psalmist’s Suggestion Psalm O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.

Jeffrey R. Holland But now I go unto the Father," the Savior said, "and also to show myself unto the lost tribes of Israel, for they are not lost unto the Father, for he knoweth whither he hath taken them." …as he made that announcement, he looked into the faces of the multitude. The people were in tears. Out of respect for the Savior's obligations to these other Israelites, they said nothing to deter him. But the longing in their souls was as obvious as it was undeniable. Looking "steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them," the Nephites touched the Savior's heart. Responding, he said, "Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you." He seemed then to change his plans temporarily. In doing so, he provided these people with one of the spiritual highlights of his New World ministry, a testimony to the faith, devotion, and unspoken desire of these true disciples.

Sequences Jesus first heals their physical problems

Children Preparing to Pray? Savior The People Kneeling in Prayer

The Prayer The Prayer 14 And it came to pass that when they had knelt upon the ground, Jesus groaned within himself, and said: Father, I am troubled because of the wickedness of the people of the house of Israel. 15 And when he had said these words, he himself also knelt upon the earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father, and the things which he prayed cannot be written, and the multitude did bear record who heard him.

First Hand Testimony 16 And after this manner do they bear record: “The eye hath never seen, neither hath the ear heard, before, so great and marvelous things as we saw and heard Jesus speak unto the Father; 17 And no tongue can speak, neither can there be written by any man, neither can the hearts of men conceive so great and marvelous things as we both saw and heard Jesus speak; and no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father.”

“And it came to pass that Jesus spake unto them, and bade them arise. “And they arose from the earth, and he said unto them: Blessed are ye because of your faith. And now behold, my joy is full

And when he had said these words, He wept…

Moses 7 (The great flood) 28 And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; and Enoch bore record of it, saying: How is it that the heavens weep, and shed forth their tears as the rain upon the mountains? 29 And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?… 32 The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, … 35 Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name; Man of Counsel is my name; and Endless and Eternal is my name, also. 36 Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands and hold all the creations which I have made; and mine eye can pierce them also, and among all the workmanship of mine hands … 39 And That which I have chosen hath pled before my face. Wherefore, he suffereth for their sins; inasmuch as they will repent in the day that my Chosen shall return unto me, …; 40 Wherefore, for this shall the heavens weep, yea, and all the workmanship of mine hands.